Traverse City Planning Commission Formally Introduces Amendments to Allow for More Housing Density, NAR Writes FHFA Regarding Appraisal Modernization and Data Collectors, and Elk Rapids Township Public Hearing on Potential Special Exemption for Multi-living Units in R-2 Zone
In this week’s GAD Top Three, the Traverse City Planning Commission takes another step towards passing zoning changes to allow for greater housing density, NAR preaches caution to the FHFA regarding appraisal modernization and use of data collectors, and the Elk Rapids Township Planning Commission schedules a public hearing on a potential special exception permit for multi living units in the R-2 Zone district.
1. Traverse City Planning Commission Formally Introduces Amendments to Allow for More Housing Density
At the Tuesday, May 2nd Traverse City Planning Commission Meeting, the Traverse City Planning Commission passed a motion to formally introduce a series of proposed zoning changes that will allow for more housing density to be built in residential districts. They also set a public hearing for Tuesday, June 6th at 7 pm at the Grand Traverse County Governmental Center (400 Boardman Ave, Traverse City) in addition to a public open house at the Park Place Hotel (300 East State Street, Traverse City) on Tuesday, May 16th at 7 pm where the public can discuss the Planning Commission’s proposed changes. Traverse City Planning Staff has created a story map in which you can learn more about these proposed changes (and view letters of support, including Aspire North’s) and the rationale for these changes. You can view the full list of proposed text amendments to the Traverse City Code of Ordinances here.
2. NAR Writes FHFA Regarding Appraisal Modernization and Data Collectors
NAR sent a letter to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) regarding appraisal modernization, oversight, and the use of data collectors. While NAR is supportive of modernization, though a licensed appraiser is the best option, the letter points out various concerns and changes. View the full release here.
3. Elk Rapids Township Public Hearing on Potential Special Exemption for Multi-living Units in R-2 Zone
The Elk Rapids Township Planning Commission will be holding a public hearing on Tuesday, May 16th at 1:30 pm at the Elk Rapids Government Center (315 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids) to consider adding a section to the Elk Rapids Township Zoning Ordinance Chapter 8, R-2 Residential - One Family and Two-Family Zone. This amendment would add conditions under which an existing permitted or special exception use may be considered for conversion to multi-living units in the R-2 residential zone. View the notice of the Public Hearing here, including the proposed amendment section, Section 8.08.
